Dark Inheritance

[Derro]

Does anyone have any experiences with this setting? I have the Spycraft book and am interested to hear if anyone has actually played this setting whether Spycraft or d20 modern. It looks intriguing to me, many possibilities for all sorts of game types. It does seem a bit kitchen-sinky at first glance but I think if you concentrated on a few related threats instead of trying to incorporate everything it could make for interesting games.

 

[Psion]

I have it, was intrigued by it, but never got the chance to play it. I like the way the Spycraft version implements Titans better. (The way that the D20 Modern version worked with its "don't worry if the rule is broke, just don't let players cheese" philosophy seemed weak to me; if you know the rule is abusable, fix it.)

I thought the way the factions could all be used as allies/patrons or opposition was interesting and had a lot of potential.

 

[Derro]

I've never seen the d20 Modern version. Until recently I was unaware it was even published. I'm only familiar with the SC version. I like Spycraft for the many innovations they made with the d20 ruleset but I've never had a chance to play it. Most of my group are dyed-in-the-wool D&D players and any suggestion of moving away from basic fantasy is usually met with a caustic stare.

The factions and titans are definitely the coolest part of the game. It is too bad the whole deal went belly up. I was looking forward to seeing some splats in the vein of Shadowforce Archer.

The only thing I didn't like about the titans was their unbalanced build. They gain a unique ability every level and have access to some powerful feats. The drawback of each bloodline and the spurious threat of strain and mythic transformations didn't seem very balanced to me.

I was attempting to port the titan concept over to my Atlantean pre-history campaign but I'm having a bit of a time finding a balancing factor I am happy with. I suppose it will end up being an ECL or perhaps the level penalties presented in Unearthed Arcana for monstrous bloodlines.

 

[Psion]

The only thing I didn't like about the titans was their unbalanced build. They gain a unique ability every level and have access to some powerful feats. The drawback of each bloodline and the spurious threat of strain and mythic transformations didn't seem very balanced to me.

I was attempting to port the titan concept over to my Atlantean pre-history campaign but I'm having a bit of a time finding a balancing factor I am happy with. I suppose it will end up being an ECL or perhaps the level penalties presented in Unearthed Arcana for monstrous bloodlines.

Well, in addition to strain, titans gain half action dice and their action dice don't explode. If you are using the Spycraft 2.0 conversion, you can make the effects of this cost steeper by using the Spirited campaign quality (even more benefits the titan will be missing out on.)

Also, a lot of the SC 2.0 class and origin abilities are usable a number of times per session equal to your starting action dice. Normally, the phrasing they use for this limitation doesn't include modifiers to action dice, but you might decide it is appropriate to limit those abilities; it's not like the titan doesn't have other abilities to fall back on.

I mildly suspect if the crafty crew were to do it again, they'd fit the titan into a structure like the Origin of the Species structure: the basics of the race granted through an origin, and a paragon class that unlocks the real abilities.

 

[Derro]

Well, in addition to strain, titans gain half action dice and their action dice don't explode. If you are using the Spycraft 2.0 conversion, you can make the effects of this cost steeper by using the Spirited campaign quality (even more benefits the titan will be missing out on.)

Also, a lot of the SC 2.0 class and origin abilities are usable a number of times per session equal to your starting action dice.

I had totally forgotten about the action dice penalty. Considering what a huge part of the system those are that does make for a significant balancing factor. Unfortunately I have not had a chance to peruse SC 2.0 so I'm unfamiliar with any of it's conventions.

As far as Crafty doing it again that seems rather unlikely, doesn't it. They have been rather quiet of late I think. Of course most of the d20 publishers in the industry are probably holding there breath with this 4e business looming like the grinning spectre of death.

 

[AscentStudios]

I had totally forgotten about the action dice penalty. Considering what a huge part of the system those are that does make for a significant balancing factor. Unfortunately I have not had a chance to peruse SC 2.0 so I'm unfamiliar with any of it's conventions.

As far as Crafty doing it again that seems rather unlikely, doesn't it. They have been rather quiet of late I think. Of course most of the d20 publishers in the industry are probably holding there breath with this 4e business looming like the grinning spectre of death.

Point of order - Crafty doesn't own Dark Inheritance Scott Gearin and I worked on the Spycraft version as freelancers for Mythic Dreams Studios back about 4 years ago, well before Crafty was around. While I'd love to see an updated and revitalized DI return to the fold, it's up to the good folks at MDS to decide if and when that will happen, not us.

 

[Derro]

Point of order - Crafty doesn't own Dark Inheritance Scott Gearin and I worked on the Spycraft version as freelancers for Mythic Dreams Studios back about 4 years ago, well before Crafty was around. While I'd love to see an updated and revitalized DI return to the fold, it's up to the good folks at MDS to decide if and when that will happen, not us.

You know what, I knew that. Heh. Oops. I was just trying to get some more information on DI a few days ago and when I tracked down the MDS website it appears that they've gotten out of the P&P RPG game. The site is now a PC game download, review, and cheat site as far as I can tell.

Does this spell the end of this interesting setting. If anybody knows anymore let us know.

 

[Psion]

Does this spell the end of this interesting setting.

You still have the book, don't you?

Though an electronic copy would be nice for making your own updates and whatnot.